Each of these students possesses an admirable work ethic with a drive to succeed and a desire to make a difference in the world. They exemplify what being a good role model is all about, and although they are not seeking fame, our community has noticed them as future “movers and shakers” of the world.

This year we sought out a natural setting for the Terrific Teen photo session, and were not disappointed with the beauty of West Hartford’s Westmoor Park, which happens to have a special meaning to this week’s teen. Annabella Correa-Maynard spent a few summers as a counselor at the camp there, and was happy to visit her stomping grounds.

Congratulations to Annabella Correa-Maynard of Hall High School!

Annabella Correa-Maynard
Future civil rights lawyer

This Hall graduate is intent on making the world a better, more inclusive place. Now studying political science and economics at Barnard College at Columbia University, Annabella has plans to become a lawyer for civil or human rights. “I’ve always been interested in social justice. As a person of color, I think it’s important to create changes.”

A jazz dancer for many years, Annabella can be found reading whenever her jazz shoes are off. “Reading is my hobby. Anything, especially non-fiction, autobiographies, books that have a good plot line.”

During her high school years at Hall, she was involved with the school’s mock trial team, was editor in chief of the “Hall Highlights” school newspaper, and was the co-leader of “Voices of the Other” – a new group to promote diversity in the West Hartford community through various projects/events donating clothing to the homeless and victims of domestic violence.

As an honor roll student, Annabella was also in the Cum Laude Society, the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and received the Michaels Jewelers Award for her strong leadership skills in extra curricular activities. She also volunteered for NCCJ Any Town, a non-profit program that runs a camp to learn about social justice.

“Much of my inspiration comes from strong, encouraging women. I admire authorToni Morrison but especially look up to my mom [Wanda Correa] who really taught me to be independent. Also, watching as my dad [Otis Maynard] supports various organizations in need has taught me the importance of ‘paying it back’ and ‘paying it forward.’ I know that I have the power to make the world a little more positive. We all do.”

Annabella loves the color blue because she loves the ocean. Her favorite go-to place whenever she’s back in town is the Blue Plate Kitchen in Bishops Corner. Perhaps it’s her favorite quote by Diane Von Furstenberg that sums up her core values: “I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the kind of woman I wanted to be.”

Annabella Correa-Maynard, recent graduate of Hall High School, is one of West Hartford Magazine’s ‘Terrific Teens’ for 2016. Photographed at West Hartford’s Westmoor Park. Photo credit: Todd Fairchild